Ratchet tool with angularly adjustable handle



Oct. 27, 1953 w. BRIGHT RATCHET TOOL WITH ANGULARLY ADJUSTABLE HANDLE 2Sheets-Sheet. 1

Original Filed Oct. 16, 1946 INVENTOR.

Oct. 27, 1953 w. BRIGHT 2 6 RATCHET TOOL WITH ANGULARLY ADJUSTABLEHANDLE Original Filed Oct. 16, 194

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 [g ZZ i 4 4 48 I 4 4- 8 '5; Jo 46 a if INVENTOR.

Patented Oct. 27, 1953 RATCHET TOOL WITH AN GULARLY ADJUSTABLE HANDLEWilfred Bright, Toledo, Ohio Substituted for application Serial No.703,677,

October 16, 1946. 1949, Serial No. 83,115

7 Claims.

This is a substitute for my prior application, Serial No. 703,677, whichwas filed October 16, 1946, now abandoned.

This invention relates broadly to hand tools such as screw drivers,wrenches, awls, punches, nail sets, ice picks, ice shavers, and thelike. More particularly, the invention relates to a holder for tools ofthis character which permits the same to be used in several differentpositions and wherein the tools are readily adapted for any particularmode of use.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a hand toolwhich includes a tool element and a holder therefor and wherein the toolelement can be arranged either in alignment with the handle orsubstantially at right angles thereto.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hand tool of theabove-mentioned character wherein the two parts of the tool can beeasily and quickly fastened together or disengaged from each other.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a hand tool of theabove-mentioned character which includes a novel union between the toolelement and the holder.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a hand tool of theabove-mentioned character in which an exceedingly strong connection isprovided between the holder and tool element in both positions of thelatter.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hand tool of theabove-mentioned character which is simple yet sturdy in construction,efflcient in operation, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following description.

In the drawings forming a part of this specification, wherein likenumerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

' Fig. 1 is a fragmentar side elevational view of a hand tool embodyingthe invention and illustrating two toolor work-engaging elementspositioned at right angles to the holder;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but illustrating the tool elementspositioned in alignment with the holder and showing the latter brokenaway and in section for clearness of illustration; Fig. 3 is afragmentary, transverse sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1;

- Figs. 4-7 illustrate different types and combinations' of toolelements; -5Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of a modified Thisapplication March 24,

form of the invention which is equipped with but one toolorwork-engaging element;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view showing another modification of theinvention which is generally similar to the form shown in Fig. 1 butincludes a pawl and ratchet mechanism between the tool elements and theholder;

Fig. 10 is another view of the latter form of the invention but showingparts in section and parts in elevation and illustrating the toolelements disposed in alignment with the holder;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, transverse, sectional View taken onthe line i l-|l of Fig. 10; and

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary, longitudinal, sectional View taken on the linel2|2 of Fig. 11.

In the drawings, attention is first directed to Figs. 1-3 which show apreferred embodiment of the invention. The hand tool there shown broadlycomprises a double-ended tool 20 and a holder 22 for the tool.

More specifically, the tool 2!) comprises a generally cubical connectingmember 24 and shanks 26 which are carried by and extend in oppositedirections from the member. The tool here shown by way of illustrationis a screw driver, and it will be observed that the terminal of oneshank 26 has the form of a blade-type driver 28, while the terminal ofthe other shank 26 is shaped to provide a Phillips-type driver 30.Preferably, the connecting member 24 is integral with the shanks 26;however, if desired, the connecting member and shanks can be formedseparately and then fastened together by welding, brazing, or the like.

The holder 22 here shown by way of illustration is generally similar insize and shape to the handle of a conventional screw driver. Itconveniently can be made of wood, plastic or the like, and preferablyhas a plurality of longitudinal, parallel, external flutes 34 whichenable the user to obtain a proper purchase when turning or otherwisemanipulating the tool. At its inner end the handle 32 is formed with acentrally located and integral, longitudinal extension 36 whichpreferably is square in transverse section and carries a square ferrule38. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the ferrule 38 abuts at its inner endagainst a shoulder 46 which extends radially from the base of extension35, and the outer portion thereof extends axially beyond the extensionto form a socket 42 for the connecting member 24. The extension 36 andthe portion i of ferrule 38 which fits over it need not be square;

however, this construction is preferred, as the portion of the ferrulewhich projects beyond the extension must be square to properly fit thecubical connecting member 24. Also, the socket 42 formed by extension 36and ferrule 38 should fit the connecting member 24 substantially exactlyand relatively snugly. A relatively deep bore 44 is provided in thehandle 32, which bore opens at one end into the socket 42 and issumciently deep to accommodate either of the shanks 26.

In opposite walls. of the socket 42 are aligned recesses 46. Theserecesses open through the edge of ferrule 38 and receive shanks 26 whenthe connecting member 24 is inserted into socket 42 with the shankssubstantially at right angles to the holder 22, as shown in Fig. 1.Also, it will be observed that connecting member- 24 is equipped withdetents 4B which enter indentations 50 in opposite walls of the socket42 to hold the tool securely but removably associated with the holder22,. A. relatively simple detent arrangement is shown in Fig. 3 whichcomprises a through bore 52 located, substantially centrally in. theconnecting. member 24. Within the bore 52, and confined between balldetents 48 is a spring 54 which urges the detents outwardly against andinto frictional engagement with the walls of socket 421.

As a result, of the above construction and arran ement of parts, thetool 20 can be associated with the holder 22 either as shown in Fig. lor as shown in Fig. 2. By reason of its cubical shape, the connectingmember 24 fits the socket 42 snugly in both positions of the tool 20'and functions. not only to hold the two parts firmly together but alsoto establish a union therebetween for efilciently transmitting rotarymovement from the holder 22 to the tool 20. Also, the cubical shape ofconnecting member 24 positions or locates the ball detents 48 so thatthey are received in the indentations 50 in both positions of the tool20. 'When the tool 20 is positioned as shown in Fig. 2*,ithas theappearance of. a conventional screw driver, andit can be associated withthe holder with either the blade-type driver 28'. or the Phillips-typedriver 30 in operative position. Manifestly one or the other of theshank portions 26 is received: or housedin the bore 44 when. the tool20. is mounted in this manner. On the other hand", when the tool 20 ispositioned as shown. in Fig. 1, with shanks 26 substantially at rightansles to the holder 22', both of the shanks are exposed and bothdriving. heads 28. and 3.0 are in operative position.

From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that the instant toolhas a muchgreater utility than av conventional tool of this type and.that it has an entirely different and. improved. mode of use. The devicecan be adapted to situations where a conventional screw driver isuseless and can be used: with greater facility in many situations wherea conventional screw driver can be used only with. greatest difflculty.

Although the device has greater utility in most situations if equippedwith two shanks 26, it also is contemplated that the tool 20 be formedwith.

only'oneshank as shown in Fig. 8'. This latter construction is adaptableto form an L-shaped.

tool" which is or may be handler than the T- shapedtool'shown in Fig. I.In this form of the invention thebore 44' can be omitted from handle 32;Except for the distinctions noted, however, the construction and mode ofoperation are similar to the form first described;

Also, the tool 20 is susceptible of wide modification without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. In this connection, attention isdirected to Figs. 4-7 which show various modified forms of the tool 20.For example, in Fig. 4, the tool 20 is provided at one end with an icepick 55 and at the other end thereof with an. ice shaver 56. In Fig. 5,the tool 20 is provided at one end with an awl 58 and at the other endthereof with a gimlet 60. In Fig. 6, nail sets 62 and 64 are provided atopposite ends of the tool 20.. InFi'g. '2, sockets 6B and 68 areprovided at the ends of the tool 20 and these sockets conveniently havea different shape or size to enhance the utility of the tool. Themodifications illustrated in Figs. 4-7 are given merely by way ofexample. Obviously, the invention has a much wider application, and itcan be adapted to an infinite variety and combination of tools.

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. '7, the connecting member 24is disposed closer to socket 66 than to socket 68. This arrangement hasparticular utility where the tool to be used primarily in a specializedcapacity and where an: inordinately long or short shank is desiredbetween the handle and one of the sockets. A radio repair kit, forexample, requires: tools of this character. In this connection, however,it will be readily appreciated that the ofiset com necting member 24 canbe used in connection with other types of tools than the one illustratedin Fig. 7.

Reference is now had. to Figs. 9-12 which show still anothermodification of the invention which is pre-eminently suited forrotatable tools such as screw drivers. In this form of the invention theconnecting member 26 is. formed separately from shanks 25 and isconnected thereto for mutual rotation in at least one direction by aratchet Ill and pawls 1'2" (Fig. 11). The shanks 24' preferably areintegrally connected, and although the ratchet it may comprise aseparate element thereon, it preferably also is integral [with theshanks. The ratchet 10' is here shown milled. directly into the shanks26', and the cubical connecting member" 24 has a through bore T4 whichfits over and loosely receives the ratchet. Snap rings l6 which nt inannular grooves" 'l'8i at onposits sides of the ratchet T0 retain theconnecting-member and prevent it fromsliding axially along the shanks26.

As best shown in Fig. 11, the two pawls T2 are slidably mounted incorrespondingly shaped openings at opposite sides. of the connectingmember-243 The outer ends of openings 80 are closed byretainer plates82, and leaf springs 84 interposed between pawls I2 and the retainerplates urge the pawls inwardly against the ratchet T0; When ho-lder'22is turned in the direction of the arrow" in Fig. 11, the: springs Myield so that pawls 12' pass easily over-the teeth of ratchet 'Hl'Without rotating." the same; however; when the holder is rotated in areverse direction, pawls 12' engage theratch'etto establish a directdrive between the holder-and tool.

Maniiestl'y, in the latter form of the invention the direction in whichthepawl and ratchet mechanism drives'thetool isreversed by. turningthe-same endfbrend in the holder 22. Thus,

the tool 201. preferably is formed with identical work-engaging elementsat both ends thereof: as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, since, with thepawland ratchet arrangement shown, one element must be used for rotatingthe work in one; di. rection and the other used for rotating itin theopposite direction. In the form 01' the invention shown in Figs. 9-12,one driver is used for tightening the screw and the other driver is usedfor loosening the same.

Also, in this form of the invention, the bore 14 makes it necessary toprovide separate sockets or recesses 86 for ball detents 48, and aseparate spring 88 is provided behind each of the ball detents. However,it will be readily apparent that the ball detents 48 function in thesame manner and serve the same purpose as in the invention firstdescribed.

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shownand described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and thatvarious changes in the size, shape and arrangement of parts may beresorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or thescope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. A tool comprising a holder provided with a substantially squaresocket, opposite walls of the socket having opposed notches and saidWalls being wider than the notches to provide abutments at the sides ofthe notches; and a tool element having a shank and a square portion onsaid shank, said square portion adapted to fit snugly in the socket withsaid shank projecting from the socket either between the notches orthrough one of said notches, and said abutments engaging the squareportion of the tool element in both positions of the latter to hold saidsquare portion securely in the socket.

2. A tool comprising a holder having a socket provided with a sideopening; a tool element having a shank, and a connecting member on saidshank, said socket and said connecting member being correspondinglyshaped, said connecting member being insertible bodily in or removablebodily from said socket with the shank disposed either in line with andextending axially from said holder or in right-angular relation withrespect to said holder and in said side opening; and detent meanscarried by said connecting member engageable with the walls of saidsocket in both positions of said connecting member to fasten the holderand tool detachably together.

3. A tool comprising a holder having a socket provided with a sideopening; a tool element having a shank; a connecting member surroundingand rotatably mounted on said shank; pawl and ratchet means fasteningthe shank and connecting member for mutual rotation in one direction,said connecting member and said socket so constructed and arranged thatthe connecting member is adapted to fit snugly and non-rotatably in thesocket with said shank in either of two right-angularly relatedpositions, said connecting member being insertible bodily inor removablebodily from said socket with the shank disposed either in line with andextending axially from said holder or in right-angular relation withrespect to said holder and in said side opening, and means interengagingbetween the connecting member and the walls of said socket in bothpositions of said connecting member to fasten the holder and tooldetachably together.

4. A tool comprising a holder having a gen erally cubical socketprovided in opposite walls thereof with notches of less width than saidwalls; and a tool element having a generally cubical connecting memberand shank portions extending in opposite directions from said connectingmember, said connecting member being wider than said notches and of asize to fit snugly in the socket and adapted to be removably insertedtherein with said shank portions extending through said notches.

5. A tool comprising a holder having a hollow handle portion and agenerally cubical socket at one end thereof, said socket opening intosaid handle and provided with notches at opposite sides thereof andshoulders adjacent said notches; a tool element having a generallycubical connecting member, and a spindle extending through and rotatablein said connecting member, said spindle having terminal work-engagingportions; and pawl and ratchet means fastening the spindle andconnecting member for mutual rotation in one direction, said connectingmember of a size to fit snugly in said socket and adapted to be disposedtherein either with said spindle extending axially into the hollowhandle portion of the holder or with said spindle arranged substantiallyat right angles to said holder and in said notches with said connectingmember engaging said shoulder.

6. A tool comprising a holder having a hollow handle portion and agenerally cubical socket at one end thereof, which socket opens intosaid handle and is provided with notches at opposite sides thereof; anda tool element having a generally cubical connecting member, and shankportions extending in opposite directions from said connecting member,the terminals of said shank portions in the form of socket wrenches,said connecting member of a size to fit snugly in said socket andadapted to be disposed therein either with one shank extending into thehandle and the other shank extending axially away from the handle orwith both of said shank portions arranged substantially at right anglesto said holder and in said notches.

7. A tool comprising a holder having a socket provided with a sideopening; a tool element having a shank, and a connecting member on saidshank, said socket and said connecting member being correspondinglyshaped, said connecting member being insertible bodily in or removablebodily from said socket with the shank disposed either in line with andextending axially from said holder or in right-angular relation withrespect to said holder and in said side opening, and means interengagingbetween said connecting member and the walls of said socket in bothpositions of said connecting member to fasten the holder and tooldetachably together.

WILF'RED BRIGHT.

References Cited in the file of this patent

